Questions

1. What are the two phase types for composite materials? 2. Which factor may NOT influence properties of composites?
A. shape of dispersed phase C. distribution of dispersed phase B. amount of dispersed phase D. color of disp. phase

3. What are the strengthening mechanism for large-particle composites and dispersion strengthened composites? Large-particle composites: larger than atomic/molecular level Dispersion strengthened composite: on atomic/molecular level

Continuous & aligned fiber composites

Stress-strain behavior for longitudinal loading
Stage I:
Both fibers and matrix deform elastically, so the stress-strain curve is linear. Stage II: The fibers continue to stretch elastically, the matrix yields and deforms plastically. The onset of composite failure begins as the fibers start to fracture, which corresponds to a Schematic stressstrain curve for an aligned fiber strain of f

reinforced composite that is exposed to a uniaxial stress applied in the direction of alignment 2

Continuous & aligned fiber composites

Elastic behavior for longitudinal loading c = mVm + fVf
Volume fraction c : composite f : fiber m : matrix

and

c = m = f

Ecl = EmVm + Ef Vf

Ecl = longitudinal modulus

Ratio of the load carried by fibers to that by matrix:

Ff Fm

E fVf EmVm

Continuous & aligned fiber composites

Elastic behavior for transverse loading In transverse loading the fibers carry less of the load c= mVm + fVf
1 V V m f Ect E m Ef

and

c = m = f =
isostress

Ect = transverse modulus

EmEf Ect VmEf Vf Em

c = composite f = fiber m = matrix

Example Problem 1

Example Problem 2
Compute the elastic modulus of the composite material described in Example Problem 1, but assume that the stress is applied perpendicular to the direction of fiber alignment.

Continuous & aligned fiber composites

Longitudinal Tensile Strength

Longitudinal strength of the composite

* ' cl m (1 V f ) * fVf
' : stress in the matrix at fiber m failure;

* f : fiber tensile strength

Continuous & aligned fiber composites

Transverse Tensile Strength The strengths of continuous and aligned fibrous composites are highly anisotropic.
Along the longitudinal direction, have high TS. Along the transverse direction, have low TS.

Discontinuous & aligned fiber composites

Even though reinforcement efficiency is lower for discontinuous fibers, discontinuous and aligned fiber composites are becoming increasingly more important in the commercial market. Chopped glass fibers are used most extensively; however, carbon and aramid discontinuous fibers are also employed. These short fiber composites can be p r o d u c e d having moduli of elasticity and tensile strengths that approach 90% and 50%, respectively, of their continuous fiber counterparts.

Discontinuous & Random fiber composites

Ecd = EmVm + KEfVf

efficiency factor: -- aligned: K = 1 (aligned parallel) -- aligned: K = 0 (aligned perpendicular) -- random 2D: K = 3/8 (2D isotropy) -- random 3D: K = 1/5 (3D isotropy)

Example Problem 3
16.13 Assume that the composite described in Problem 16.8 has a cross-sectional area of 480 mm2 (0.75 in.2) and is subjected to a longitudinal load of 53,400 N (12,000 lbf). (a) Calculate the fibermatrix load ratio. (b) Calculate the actual loads carried by both fiber and matrix phases. (c) Compute the magnitude of the stress on each of the fiber and matrix phases. (d) What strain is experienced by the composite?

The fiber phase

Fiber Types (diameter, character)
Whiskers - thin single crystals - large length to diameter ratios graphite, silicon nitride, silicon carbide high crystal perfection extremely strong, strongest known very expensive and difficult to disperse Fibers (small diam.) polycrystalline or amorphous generally polymers or ceramics Ex: alumina, aramid(), glass, carbon Wires (large diam.) metals steel, molybdenum, tungsten

The matrix phase

Matrix phase:
The matrix phase of fibrous composites may be a metal, polymer, or ceramic. In general, metals and polymers are used as matrix materials because some ductility is desirable; for ceramic-matrix composites, the reinforcing component is added to improve fracture toughness. -- Functions are to: - transfer stress to dispersed phase - protect dispersed phase from environment - separate fibers and prevent crack propagation -- Types: Metal-matrix Ceramic-matrix Polymer-matrix

The matrix phase

Bonding strength between fiber and matrix is an important consideration in the choice of the matrix fiber combination.
The ultimate strength of the composite depends to a large degree on the magnitude of this bond; adequate bonding is essential to maximize the stress transmittance from the weak matrix to the strong fibers.

Polymer-matrix composites
Polymer matrix + fiber reinforcement phase used most widely in largest quantities

Polymer-matrix composites

glass fiber carbon fiber

aramid fiber

-Glass fiber reinforced polymer composites

Merits of glass fibers
1. easily drawn into high-strength fibers 2. composites be fabricated economically 3. relatively strong fiber 4. used in various corrosive environments

Limitations
1. poor stiffness 2. service temp: < 200 C Applications automotive and marine bodies, industrial floorings

-Carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites

Most commonly used in advanced polymer-matrix composites.

Merits of carbon fibers

1. highest specific modulus and specific strength 2. retain high tensile modulus at high temp. 3. good chemical stability 4. a variety of physical and mechanical properties 5. relatively inexpensive and cost effective

Applications
sports & recreational equipment, aircraft structural components

-Aramid fiber reinforced polymer composites

Typical applications:
sporting goods, tires, ropes

Metal-matrix composites
Advantages

higher operating temp. nonflammability greater resistance to degradation by organic fluids

more expensive than PMCs

Applications automotive engine component, driveshafts aerospace industry

Ceramic-matrix composites
The fracture toughness maybe improved significantly by introducing particles, fibers and whiskers.

Carbon-carbon composites
One of the most advanced and promising materials. Matrix & reinforcement: carbon

Desirable properties

high-tensile modulus & strength at high temp. high fracture toughness high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion expensive limited: rocket motor, friction materials in aircraft and highperformance automobiles

Hybrid composites
Reading:

Core Problems:

Self-help Problems: